AMBER Alert

The purpose of the AMBER Alert Notice System, as created by Executive Order 2002-06, is to locate abducted children. The ND Highway Patrol, in cooperation with the NDDES (formerly known as the Division of Emergency Management), State Radio, and other state agencies, were directed by Governor John Hoeven to implement a statewide AMBER Alert system by January 1, 2003.

The AMBER Plan is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in serious child abduction cases. Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert System (EAS), to air a description of the abducted child and suspected abductor. This is the same concept used during severe weather emergencies.

The goal of the AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the child.

According to Executive Order 2002-06, "Upon the request of a law enforcement agency that is investigating a child abduction, the ND Highway Patrol shall activate an AMBER alert public notice to aid in locating the child based on the following criteria:

1. The abduction involves a child or children 17 years of age or younger;

2. Confirmation by local law enforcement of a stranger or a family abduction in which the child is believed to be in grave danger of serious bodily harm or death; and,

3. Descriptive information about the child, the abductor, and/or suspect's vehicle to assist with the safe recovery of the victim and/or the apprehension of the suspect.

4. Is there enough information about the child, suspect, and/or suspect's vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help?

The Executive Order further notes, “The superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol in cooperation with the Division of Emergency Management and other state agencies, shall implement the use of the Emergency Alert System in the State of North Dakota.” Specific to amber alerts, “The superintendent in cooperation with the Division of Emergency Management and other state agencies, local law enforcement and broadcasters, shall develop policies and procedures providing instruction specifying how (all parties) shall proceed after a qualifying abduction has been reported to a law enforcement agency.”